…Demands fair hearing for Katsina lecturer
By Gbolahan Salman
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Northwest Zone, has warned against the alleged use of security agencies to intimidate academics, following the arrest and arraignment of Dr. Kurfi of Ahmadu Bbello University, Zaria, over a statement concerning security challenges in Katsina State.
The union urged the Katsina State Government to focus on tackling insecurity, economic hardship and challenges in the education sector, while calling on the judiciary to ensure that the lecturer receives a fair hearing.
The Northwest Zonal Chairman of ASUU, Professor Abubakar Sabo, made the demands while addressing journalists in his office on Wednesday.
Dr. Kurfi was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and arraigned before the High Court in Katsina on October 13, 2026, over the alleged statement. He was subsequently released on bail, with the case adjourned until October 16.
Reacting to the development, Sabo said the union was concerned that government institutions could be used to intimidate academics over their contributions to discussions on issues affecting society.
He, however, emphasised that ASUU was not opposed to the enforcement of the law but insisted that due process must not become a means of suppressing dissenting views.
“While the union promotes the application of the rule of law in every circumstance, we are equally concerned about the use of government agencies as instruments of intimidation against an already traumatised population,” Sabo said.
He argued that the state’s pressing challenges required urgent government attention, rather than actions capable of creating fear within the academic community.
“The Katsina State Government should sincerely focus on addressing the economic, social and security challenges affecting the state rather than resorting to unnecessary intimidation of our fellow academics,” he said.
The ASUU leader said the union was closely monitoring the lecturer’s case to ensure that the legal process was conducted fairly and that his rights were protected.
He disclosed that representatives of the union’s branches in the Northwest Zone had attended the court proceedings and would continue to follow developments.
“The zone was there yesterday. Our branches were represented, and we are following the processes. We want to know exactly how he is being treated,” he said.
Sabo said ASUU would not hesitate to take further action if its findings showed that the lecturer had been denied justice.
He maintained that the union would allow the law to take its course if the allegations against the lecturer were established through a fair legal process.
“If Dr. Kurfi was found legally to be wanting, let justice take its course. But, on the other hand, if he was treated unjustly, based on our observations and facts, we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated. We will take the matter to the next level,” he said.
The zonal chairman stressed that academics should be able to contribute to discussions on national security, the economy and education without fear of intimidation, while remaining accountable under the law.
He called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the case was determined on its merits, warning that any perceived injustice could further undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
“Let it be on record that Nigerians are watching as the legal process takes place. Justice to one is justice to all, and injustice to one is injustice to all,” Sabo said.
The union reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of university lecturers and upholding the principles of fairness, accountability and the rule of law.
